Top 10 Thanksgiving Dinner Trends

How will you be giving thanks this year? Our top 10 2013 Thanksgiving trends will take you every step of the way this holiday, from setting the table to using up your Turkey Day leftovers. Here are the trends showing up around the country.

1. Gold flatwareGold knives, forks and spoons will fit nicely into your autumn color scheme and they’ll also add a touch of elegance to your table. Gold napkin rings or gold-rimmed plate also make great additions to this year’s table.

2. White PumpkinsPumpkins have long been an essential part of Thanksgiving tablescapes, but this year it’s all about the white pumpkins. You can buy small white pumpkins for under $1. Or, just give your leftover Halloween pumpkins a coat of white spray paint.

3. Apple-Pie CidersGreet guests with a warm welcome and this year’s Thanksgiving drink, a hot glass of apple-pie cider. Just add traditional pie spices like cinnamon, allspice, cloves and nutmeg. Add whipped cream or a cookie on top to turn this drink into a bona fide dessert.

4. Turkey Food SculptureThanks in part to Pinterest, appetizers are starting to look more like sculptures than actual food. This year, try creating your own turkey food art. There are turkey cheese balls, turkeys made of fruit, and even turkey-shaped loaves of bread. Try fun Thanksgiving desserts from cupcakes to cookies for kids here!

6. StuffinsThis hybrid side dish is a stroke of genius—stuffing baked in muffin pans. Just mix up a stuffing recipe, divvy it up into a muffin pan and pop into the oven to crisp them up. Making more than one stuffing? Try alternating fillings to fulfill everyone’s taste buds.

8. Leftover Packing StationOne of the biggest benefits to hosting Thanksgiving is you get the leftovers! This year, share the wealth. More people are sending their family home with pretty little to-go boxes tied with twine or fall-colored ribbon.

9. Thanksgiving Leftover Grilled CheeseTurkey sandwiches have become a day-after-Thanksgiving staple. This, year take it up a notch and make it a grilled cheese. Stuff your bread with leftovers and a few slices of cheese, grill it up, and serve it with warm gravy for dipping.

10. Post-Dinner ShoppingNo need to camp out at stores for Black Friday, this year they’re letting you in early. Macy’s, J.C. Penney and Kohl’s are just some of the stores getting a jumpstart on Black Friday and opening doors earlier than ever before, 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving.